By Chad Simon

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, sold at Barrett-Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $115,000. Proceeds benefit the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck was donated by Ford and built by SEMA Garage staff and member manufacturers to demonstrate the latest technology that can be used for building a vehicle, familiarize membership with the Tech Transfer program and raise funds for SEMA Cares charities.

The Super Duty showcased many new products, including a Rogue Racing custom rear cantilever suspension and oversized CAD-designed fenders, Icon Vehicle Dynamics front four-link suspension and a Stratasys 3D-printed custom grille shell.

Equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, the truck was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFe Power Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

In addition to the rear suspension system, Rogue Racing supplied the front and rear bumpers and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Macs Custom Tie Downs supplied spare-tire tie-downs.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair of BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares and Barrett-Jackson together have raised more than $2 million for SEMA Cares charities and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

“It’s exciting to see the industry we all love and cherish give back to those who are less fortunate,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Cares was established 11 years ago to benefit the charities that SEMA supports. Special thanks to Craig Jackson for partnering with SEMA Cares and helping to raise money for its charities.”

Watch Spagnola talk about the F-250 build.

Watch the truck being auctioned at Barrett-Jackson.

By Chad Simon

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, sold at Barrett-Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $115,000. Proceeds benefit the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck was donated by Ford and built by SEMA Garage staff and member manufacturers to demonstrate the latest technology that can be used for building a vehicle, familiarize membership with the Tech Transfer program and raise funds for SEMA Cares charities.

The Super Duty showcased many new products, including a Rogue Racing custom rear cantilever suspension and oversized CAD-designed fenders, Icon Vehicle Dynamics front four-link suspension and a Stratasys 3D-printed custom grille shell.

Equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, the truck was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFe Power Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

In addition to the rear suspension system, Rogue Racing supplied the front and rear bumpers and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Macs Custom Tie Downs supplied spare-tire tie-downs.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair of BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares and Barrett-Jackson together have raised more than $2 million for SEMA Cares charities and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

“It’s exciting to see the industry we all love and cherish give back to those who are less fortunate,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Cares was established 11 years ago to benefit the charities that SEMA supports. Special thanks to Craig Jackson for partnering with SEMA Cares and helping to raise money for its charities.”

Watch Spagnola talk about the F-250 build.

Watch the truck being auctioned at Barrett-Jackson.

By Jenny Galvan

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about WTC and its initiatives are invited to take advantage of the general membership meeting’s learning and networking opportunities.

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and its initiatives are invited to join the WTC, Tuesday, February 20, at the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport, and participate in an eventful day filled with learning and networking opportunities.

The agenda includes a general membership meeting, during which WTC members will discuss the council’s initiatives and the benefits of becoming a council member.

Other activities scheduled include a seminar on vehicle technology, a wheel and tire testing forum and an on-site proving-ground facility tour. A Top Golf networking outing is also scheduled.

RSVP now. 

By Jenny Galvan

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about WTC and its initiatives are invited to take advantage of the general membership meeting’s learning and networking opportunities.

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and its initiatives are invited to join the WTC, Tuesday, February 20, at the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport, and participate in an eventful day filled with learning and networking opportunities.

The agenda includes a general membership meeting, during which WTC members will discuss the council’s initiatives and the benefits of becoming a council member.

Other activities scheduled include a seminar on vehicle technology, a wheel and tire testing forum and an on-site proving-ground facility tour. A Top Golf networking outing is also scheduled.

RSVP now. 

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s second Town Hall Meeting of 2018 will be held Tuesday, March 13, at SRI Performance in Mooresville, North Carolina.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Mooresville, North Carolina, where members and prospective members will gather at SRI Performance, Tuesday, March 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s second Town Hall Meeting of 2018 will be held Tuesday, March 13, at SRI Performance in Mooresville, North Carolina.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Mooresville, North Carolina, where members and prospective members will gather at SRI Performance, Tuesday, March 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether it’s pursuing a pro-growth and job creation agenda, standing up for the RPM Act or combating counterfeit products, many issues are facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital.

Join fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 16, for the 2018 SEMA Washington Rally—your opportunity to demonstrate to congressional lawmakers the importance and strength of the $41 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you, your community and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for association members.

Scheduled events include:

• A legislative briefing session with SEMA staff
• One-on-one meetings with members of Congress.
• A Capitol Hill luncheon.
• A New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals baseball game.
• Opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

SEMA members may register now. For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether it’s pursuing a pro-growth and job creation agenda, standing up for the RPM Act or combating counterfeit products, many issues are facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital.

Join fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 16, for the 2018 SEMA Washington Rally—your opportunity to demonstrate to congressional lawmakers the importance and strength of the $41 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you, your community and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for association members.

Scheduled events include:

• A legislative briefing session with SEMA staff
• One-on-one meetings with members of Congress.
• A Capitol Hill luncheon.
• A New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals baseball game.
• Opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

SEMA members may register now. For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether it’s pursuing a pro-growth and job creation agenda, standing up for the RPM Act or combating counterfeit products, many issues are facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital.

Join fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 16, for the 2018 SEMA Washington Rally—your opportunity to demonstrate to congressional lawmakers the importance and strength of the $41 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you, your community and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for association members.

Scheduled events include:

• A legislative briefing session with SEMA staff
• One-on-one meetings with members of Congress.
• A Capitol Hill luncheon.
• A New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals baseball game.
• Opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

SEMA members may register now. For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether it’s pursuing a pro-growth and job creation agenda, standing up for the RPM Act or combating counterfeit products, many issues are facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital.

Join fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 16, for the 2018 SEMA Washington Rally—your opportunity to demonstrate to congressional lawmakers the importance and strength of the $41 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you, your community and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for association members.

Scheduled events include:

• A legislative briefing session with SEMA staff
• One-on-one meetings with members of Congress.
• A Capitol Hill luncheon.
• A New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals baseball game.
• Opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

SEMA members may register now. For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.